Belding Elementary is a great school. I have been assigned to Belding for over a year as their…read moreschool nurse. All of the staff is very friendly, and are genuinely invested in their students. I love the special classes that they have for all grades. Every child gets the opportunity to learn Arabic, as well as participate in a dance class that teaches everything from modern dance, to tap, to breakdancing on a weekly basis. If students are having trouble in class, then teachers aides take them to the side to work on their problem areas. This is a small school, but that is perfect to ensure that all students receive the optimum learning experience. Fun note: The garden in front of Belding with the picnic tables is a certified wildlife habitat.

Belding Elementary has been home to my daughter for the past 4 years (having transferred her here…read morefrom a private school starting in 5th grade). The leadership under Principal Yutzy and the time and care that the teachers at the school provide each student is a joy to witness. Students are challenged according to their abilities and are gently prodded to excel. It is almost like an extension of your family when it comes to the care/efforts put forth by the faculty & staff for the students. As a parent I can honestly say that my interactions at the school were more enjoyable and inclusive than they were at the private school. The education provided by all the GREAT TEACHERS over the years helped to enable my daughter to be prepared for that arduous task of Selective Enrollment and it got her into Northside College Prep. If you are debating whether to place your child at this wonderful neighborhood school; take the leap of faith as you will not be disappointed. We will miss Belding, but in our hearts we will ALWAYS BE A BELDING BULLDOG FAMILY!!

As our daughters wrap up their 6th and 2nd grade school years, I fondly think back to when my…read morehusband and I took our first tentative steps through the front doors of Chicago Waldorf School for a Thursday morning tour in the fall of 2013. We entered into a warm, inviting space and were greeted by friendly faces and a caring energy. What we heard and saw in those couple hours completely changed our view and understanding of what school should be. We came away with a sense of openness, excitement and newness. After experiencing one Waldorf tour and orientation, we knew at a deep level this was what "school" should look like and transferred our daughters mid-year from the school they were attending. The focus on experiential learning paired with the practice of meeting the child with a cirriculum that matches where they are developmentally is paramount to the Waldorf educational philosophy. The parent community is also a huge part of what we have grown to love about the school. It is a vibrant, energitic and fun group of people who call CWS home. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to be a part of it.

The Chicago Waldorf School....although I have much to say, I will leave this brief and to the…read morepoint. The school is poorly ran, they don't know how to accept change, they use people that willingly volunteer their limited free time until the person feels so used they never return to the "community". I happen to think that the philosophical base behind Waldorf education is way ahead of the curve; however, the people running the Chicago school are way behind. Maybe one day everything will click for them and the students can get the education they deserve without the distractions that have constantly plagued the school. - Alum

Yes. I misunderstood it said admission "priorities" are given to not only "siblings of currently…read moreenrolled students and active parishioners" as janet says but also ( taken from their website) "Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families are active parishioners for at least one year prior to application and are regular contributors (recommended contribution of $780/year to church collection) Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families have been registered, contributing parishioners for less than one year prior to application Students who are baptized Catholics and whose families are not parishioners Students from non-Catholic families" So if your parents have an additional $780 to donate to the church you are prioritized over one whose parents don't have an extra month of rent to donate . Sounds like discrimination still. Way to give opportunity to the lower income or non religious families.yes "ALL ARE WELCOME" to apply. As she said. But not all are welcome the same chances of getting admitted. I'm still saying it's an unfair admission process.

We currently have three children at SJB, and could not love it more! The teachers are incredibly…read moresmart, caring and engaging. Our principle stands outside the front door in the mornings to greet all the students as they enter. Teachers write emails to their class parents at least once a week, they are accessible and very willing to work with your child if there is a special need/learning deficit. I could go on and on with how wonderful our school is!

Skinner North Classical is a selective enrollment school. As stated on the website, "The mission…read moreof Skinner North Classical School is to provide rigorous, differentiated instruction to all students. With a focus on teaching the whole child in an academically advanced environment, they work to establish norms of highly successful and socially-motivated individuals in a community that promotes collaboration, leadership, and celebrates the diversity of the students, families, and staff. In addition to the core subjects, students take classes in Spanish, Art, and Music. Skinner North focuses on the social emotional learning (SEL), which is a very important factor in how students learn to function in the world. There are a number of programs before and after school taught by the teachers and others. Teachers care about the students and spend a lot of extra time developing programs to use with their students. North Family members are encouraged to participate in the monthly social events throughout the year. Finally, many of the students are not from the immediate area and some of the students are bused to Skinner North. In the morning and at the end of the day the buses are lined up waiting for their students. For parents that are interested Skinner North Classical School for their child, they can attend one of many open houses for prospective families. I gave Skinner North Classical 4.5 stars, but since there is not a half star I have raised my rating up to 5 stars. The half a star deduction is because of the busing, in bad weather buses can be late coming or going which would cause children to spend more time on the bus, and would cut into the children's instructional time. Skinner North does have fantastic programs and a superior teaching staff that is dedicated to working with every student using differentiated instruction to help the students succeed.

I wouldn't recommend this school to my worst enemy the teachers are supportive but the admin isn't…read more This school causes depression and severe stress and trauma. Admin only supports select students and cares about school image over student well being. The admin neglects victims and targets particular students (typically new) with use of manipulation. I have been manipulated by members of admin personally and only given access to a biased counselor. This school will break your kid to the lowest mental stability they will ever be at to preserve school identity+ aid select students. Multiple bad experiences, I would never recommend this school to anyone (social wise).

I grew up attending a Christian Church and they welcomed everyone in the neighborhood. This is not…read morea Christian environment. My Children and I were completely discriminated on. Jenna was very rude and the Principal kept ignoring/dodging my calls/messages. We definitely had the worst experience during our Tour etc... I still can't believe this is considered a Christian School. Be aware!! We gave them all of the proper Transcripts and they still turned us away. I can't wait to read your guilty response. I've uploaded photos against your response. I don't have much more to say. The Lord fights all of my Battles.

My son went there for 8th grade and I wish we would have gone there earlier! The school is an…read moreabsolute treasure and the atmosphere is wonderful. It feels like a big family. Academics were great and they did an amazing job offering different levels of math and reading to meet the students where they are at. I also truly enjoyed the parent community - no parent cliques and attitudes, everybody is welcome to help and participate in whatever capacity they can. The principal is amazing and the kids adore and respect her - she is a true gem! The 8th grade homeroom teacher was also incredible, as is the office staff. It was an all around positive experience and it's a school that lives what they preach. The school itself is clean, well set up with comfortable classrooms, great gym, amazing kitchen and a bowling alley! The pastor is wonderful and the kids get a well rounded education and they leave prepared and ready for the next chapter. Tuition is reasonable and a great value. I highly recommend St. John's!

this is my beautiful school when i was young girl and that was 1981 oh how i miss it amazing stone…read moreschool it's been 40 years now wow how time flys

My son just started at this school and I've been very impressed with the staff - the principal is…read morevery accessible and easy to talk to. Teachers were friendly and willing to talk to a new, interested parent. I'm looking forward to him being here - kids here get good test scores, so he'll be challenged.

Great school!! My kids are very happy to be at Scared heart school. The teacher are truly invested…read morein my children's education and their growth as learner. Highly recommend!

I give 5 stars to the school . I graduated from the grammar /elementary school in 1983. Made alot…read moreof friends, teachers/instructors were interesting. We always had mass on Friday mornings. It was very expensive for my parents at the time. However, they sacrificed only the best things. I love them very much !. One of my classmates is a New York time best selling author, another one a film maker, and others Investment bankers, CEO of a company and engineers/doctors.

Wonderful school wonderful learning environment wonderful helpful Admin and teachers…read more Great school

Peirce school is a wonderful school and provides excellent academic curriculum. Principal,…read moreteachers, and parents are dedicated to making Peirce an amazing school. Peirce has many programs and partnerships with organizations that focus on improving students learning skills and provide recreational activities for students. My two boys love their teachers and are excited to share what they have learned from school. As a parent I am well informed and updated on my children's educational and emotional developmental. I recommend Peirce school if you are considering it for your child. They are PreK - 8th grade school. Peirce is having an Open House on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 8:30 am - 10 am if you would like to stop by. You can also email the school at peirceopenhouse@gmail.com if you have any questions.